Unique Photo Images
Saturday, September 30, 2006
  More of Italy - May 2006
Artist Richard Serrin at work. Click the word work and follow Richard's site
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Vinard near the Villa Rosa

Poppies and Dasies growing near 1100 AD castle


Beautiful Flowers everywhere

Looking down from a hill above Florence.

Ferns growing in a wall.

No tripods allowed in the church. I hand held the camera with vibration free lens.

Wash day hanging out

Angel of the Winery

 
Friday, September 29, 2006
  Good Basic Photo Ideas

Friend and photographer, Jerry Kravitz gave me this link for tried and true basic photo reminders. Take a look and enjoy the review of the 51 suggested reminders.

Click on the word reminders (above)to see these good basic ideas



Hope one of these gives you a little more enjoyment from your photo work.
 
Thursday, September 28, 2006
  Italy in Infrared - Part 4


Andrea Hug said not enough photographs! So here are a few more photographs taken in the Tuscan Region of Italy in May 2006. All of these images were taken with a special digital camera with the purpose of making black and white infrared photos.

In (IR) infrared you can see how green colors turn almost white and blue skies turn grey to black.

Enjoy Andrea, there is more to come from the Italy collection. But here I just wanted to show you a few B&W images.
 
  Italy in Infrared - Part 3





 
  Italy in Infrared - Part 2





 
  Italy in Infrared



The side streets in the small Tuscan towns are used for everything from floral displays to the clothes hanging out to dry.
 
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
  Jerry Owens

Here is a man who gives himself to others and to help support Shrinners Childrens Hospitals. Jerry is always on a project.

Projects like getting people together for good fellowship, organizing a "Big Wheel Ride" for the Shrinners and just taking the time to help others in need. Through all of this time he is having fun and enjoys bringing joy to others.

His Big Wheel project has resulted in a team of riders that join him in parades and homecomings and community events. What a better place this world would be with more individuals like Jerry.
 
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
  Grandchildren, yes 16

My wife, Carol does most of the grandchildren photography, but once a year or whenever it happens that we can get all 16 together at one location, I become the photographer. Shooting out-of-doors or inside, I now use the Gary Fong Lightshpere. The Lightsphere was introduced to me by Len Quartetti a photographer and friend. It really works for taking photographs of individuals or groups.See GaryFong for details.

You will notice, no ugly shadows or hot spots on the faces. Which means less time in on the computer editing in Photoshop.

Our grandchildren, we are so proud of all of them. They all sing and most play musical instruments along with sports and other interests like fixing anything that is broken.
 
Monday, September 25, 2006
  Richard Serrin

Richard Serrin is an American who spent the last 40 years of his life painting in Floence, Italy. Many of his paintings come from Bibilical Text and are long thought out before putting paint on the canvas. Authorized Editions are now available through his WebSite. Including his eariler version ot the Prodigal's Son.
 
  More on Italy

Here is one of my favorite images from Florence in May. This famous bridge Ponte Vechio was the only bridge that the Germans did not destroy when leaving the area during World War II. This night shot shows both the lights on the bridge and their refelections on the water of the Arno River.

Just on the other side of the Bridge lives the world famous artist Richard Serrin. I have had the wonderful experience of visiting with Richard and his lovely wife Dorothy and do some photo work to help bring authorized copies of his work to others around the world. Go to Richard Serrin to see more of his Work.
 
Sunday, September 24, 2006
  Face on the Leg


"Face on the Leg" was take at a winery in Tuscany. I was in awe of the art work on this outdoor bench. Old and crumbling, it still served as a resting place for wine tasters and the weary. The carving is the work of another artist, yet the crumbling condition and colors of the winery behind the bench encouraged me to push the shutter.

Today, I want to thank everyone for all the phone calls, e-mails, cards and words of encouragement through my medical operations and those yet to come. This BLOG has been a neat distraction from all of the medical madness.

Quote of the Day:

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
 
Saturday, September 23, 2006
  Trees on a Hill

Willard Straussberger really got me re-interested in many of the cloud pix that I have and love. This image was photographed in the Tuscan region of Italy this past May. There was so much beauty every day that I started to understand the pride of my friend Sol Anfuso of his native country.

Not only can some of the greatest art in the world be found in Italy, but just the bearty of nature seen every day.
 
  Beauty and the Beast
 
  Point & Shoot


"Look Up" - Cloud Image 2
Sometimes it fun to just point the camera and shoot as I did here. There was no Photoshop used, just cropping. The day had such unusual clouds and grey, yet beautiful look. Fun to look into cloud images and see all kinds of interesting shapes.

Only nature could produce such beautiful and interesting images. Local Artist Willard Straussberger e-mailed me some cloud pix and I kept thinking of all the natural images that I did not want alter and loose the beauty that I saw on this particular day. I was luck because a neighbor called me up and told me to get outside and take pictures of these beautiful clouds. Thanks Sue.

The first cloud image I call "Beauty and the Beast". The cloud was moving fast and this was just a few seconds before "Look Up". Let us keep looking up and around us for that nature and man has for us to photograph. Isn't wonderful to have this wonderful hobby to keep our creative energies put to postive forces in what we hear is such a negative world.
 
Friday, September 22, 2006
  Snap, Crackle and Pop
Snap, Crackle and Pop - from Tom Icklan

Photographer, Tom Icklan from (NJ and FL) got me started with the idea of Snap, Crackle and Pop. This is one of his lectures and demonstrations on the East Coast. We met Tom and his lovely wife Elaine in Italy with Dan Anderson’s May 2006 Tour of florence and Tuscany. What a great experience. And what an outstanding Photographer.


I picked up on Tom's concept and have developed a one hour demonstration/lecture for Camera Clubs and interested photo groups in the midwest. Today after talking with Dennis Arendt, I have two more neat ideas for (S,C, & P). Many thanks Dennis.

Dennis Arendt
1. Make a copy of the Background Layer and change the blend mode to “Soft Light”. Then set the opacity to the desired level.

2. Make a copy of the Background layer and open Unsharp Mask Filter. Change the settings to Amount - 20, Radius - 60, and Threshold to 0. Again, use the opasity to fit your personal taste. Try it, you may like it

Thanks - Tom and Dennis
 
  The Wheel Man
http://www.arendtgalleries.homegallery.photoshare.co.nz/Dennis Arendt, a great person and an outstanding photographer. Dennis has raised the level of Infrared Photography to a new level in the Chicago area. For many years IR photos always scored low points on inter club contest and at the CACCA level (Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association). Dennis changed that by producing some of the most beautiful landscapes in IR. But Dennis's real passion is "CARS". I encourage everyone to visit his galleries in the link provided. You will also see other examples of his "creative Wonder". Dennis is active in Pixel Camera Club, Fox Valley Camera Club and helps with the electronic slide division of the Photographic Society of America.

How does Dennis find all of these great carsto shoot? He visit many of the evening and weekend car shows in the midwest. It not just his hobby, it is his passion.

When one has such a great love of cars as Dennis, ones eyes observe things that other walk past without appreciating. Do take a look at his gallery site.
 
Thursday, September 21, 2006
  Photoshop Elements Classes by Mark and Marie
Correction of Dates

for the Adobe Photoshop Elements Classes
(See change of dates for Mark Southard’s classes at the Frisbie Senior Center)

Beginning/Intermediate Classes in Adobe Photoshop Elements

All of the listed classes are at two locations (1.) Frisbie Senior Center and (2.) the Des Plaines Park District. These classes are for both the traditional and digital photographer who wants to discover the “digital darkroom” and those who just want to learn how to use this technology to make better prints at home.

1. Frisbie Senior Center - Des Plaines, IL (corner of Mt. Prospect Rd. and Northwest Hwy.There are two classes being taught by Mark Southard. Classes begin Dates for the classes are as follows: Tues., Oct.10, Tues., Oct 17, Tues., Oct 31 and Tues., Nov. 7. These are the updated and correct dates
A. One class at 10-12 AM
B. One class at 7-9 PM
Each class is limited to 8 students using 8 PC computers in the Frisbie/Mather Computer Lab. For questions call Gretchen at 847-297-2355. Registration is now taking place. You can register over the phone using a credit card. Students must be 16 years old or older. Phone 847-768-5944 to register for the Frisbie Classes.

Mark Southard is a creative photographer and teacher with teaching experience in the Chicago area and at The Clearing in Door County, WI. Mark’s workshops and classes have been well received in Camera Clubs, Photographic Society of America and with Photographic Societies. Mark has studied with many of the leading Photographers in the world.

====================================================

2. Des Plaines Park District - Prairie Lakes Community Center - Dempster/Thacker Street in Des Plaines.

Beginning/Intermediate Classes in Adobe Photoshop Elements

The Class is on Tuesday nights October 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 7:00-9:00 PM

This class is for beginning and intermediate levels of Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 All students must have a laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop Elements installed.

Marie Rakoczy will be the instructor and assisted by Jerry Hug and members of the Des Plaines Camera Club. Cost for Residents $55. Non Des Plaines residents $75. Call 847-391-5700 to register.

Marie is an experienced teacher (former High School teacher) and creative photographer and world traveler. She and her husband Joe recently produced an outstanding Alaskan adventure that has been featured at many camera clubs and public libraries.

I recommend these classes and outstanding teachers. Jerry
 
 
In the Chicago Area Art Happenings and a Photo Show not to miss.

"In the Eye of the Stone Graue Mill & Museum

A Juried Photography Exhibition September 27 - October 29, 2006

Opening Reception to meet the Artist - Friday, September 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Show Location
The Frederick Graue House at Graue Mill and Museum
3800 S. York Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523

630.920.9720

Judges for the show were: Jeff Curto, Professor of Photography, College of DuPage, Melissa Lloyd, Photo Educator, Maine Township High Schools, and Bruce VanPelt, Master Photographer.PPA Certified Professional Photographer
 
 
The "Mississipps Queen" was photographed using infrared (IR) in Paducah, KY during the American Quilters Guild annual convention.

Most of my Infrared images are black and white, but at times I like to add color and simulate an old fashioned photo. To give the effect of age, I also added grain that was common to many films that were used.

This photograph was taken with a Minolta Dimage 7 (No longer produced). It is a zoom lens reflex that did not have the normal filtering to eliminate IR. A Hoya IR filter was attached in front of the lens to cause the camera to see only in IR.
 
 
 
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
 

I like the artistic simplicity of Infrared Photography. We now have so many wonderful ways of using digital cameras in the Infrared medium. The photograph titled "Dancing Glory" was taken this morning in bright sunlight using a converted Canon Rebel XT and a 70-200 IS 2.8 Canon lens with a 1.4 tele extender. I take all of my IR images in IR color to gather every pixel and channel that is available. This shot was handheld with the ISO set to 200. "Dancing Glory" was just some Morning Glory vines located in the bright sun with the blue sky and background thrown out of focus with a large F stop opening.

The advantage of a converted DSLR is that you can use all of your available lens on the IR converted body. Dancing Glory was my first image with the Canon Rebel XT and I can see that there are many creative possibilities with this camera. Presently there are various firms that specialize in making the conversions as well as websites that have loads of information for those photographers wanting to learn more about IR. Many photographers already have cameras that will shoot IR without converting. One of the first Nikon (twist Coolpix) 950 cameras only requires that you hold a IR filter in front of the lens.

To test if your camera works. Borrow a filter and have someone press a TV clicker aimed at the camera. If you can see a red light when the clickeer is pushed, WALLA you have an IR camera for just the price of a filter. Go for it.
 
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
 


The Bug Man. Our grandson, Matthew, is already a budding young entomologist. He finds, collects, and shares his insects with everyone. May we all become more in tune with the wonders of the natural world.
 
 
FYI - Dear Friends of Art & Nature,

You're invited to join a very special one-day nature photography seminar (sorry for the short notice) I'll be conducting for a group of Michigan State University Photo Journalism students, this coming Saturday, September 23rd, 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM , at Lake Lansing Park North in Haslett, MI. This will be an in-the-field event, offering tips and suggestions on how you can make better nature photographs, with film or digital, regardless of your equipment or skill level. Tuition is just $25.00 per person for the 6-hour seminar.

To register, please email: mark@markscarlson.com by Friday, September 22nd.

See Mark's web site at: http://www.markscarlson.com/
 
 

More fun with a digital camera. Without film and processing, here is another "play" activity. Take a camera and set a long exposure. While exposing an image, move the camera. This image I call "Sand Castle". I pushed the shutter while moving the camera on dried vines in the back yard. This technique was first introduced to my by friend and photographer, Mark Southard, of Chicago. Mark and I teach Adobe Photoshop Elements together in a team teaching situtation. We each gain from the others creative interest and style.
 
 


Did you ever want to play like a child? Why not. here is an image that I call "Finger Paint". The playful colors and bursh strokes were created on a software program called Coral Painter IX. This software can be used along with Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
 
 
Photographers can always use ldeas from other artist. Here are "Life Lessons on Creativity" by Quilt Artist, Teacher and Lecture, Carol Reilly. (They can be found in the March/April 2005 issue of Fonds & Porter magazine Love of Quilting.

by Judith Reilly
1. We are all unique and gifted.
"Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable." Brenda Ueland

2. Life is perception. Not everyone sees things the same way.
"We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are." Anais Nin

3. Childlikeness: Never lose it!
"The most potent muse of all is our own inner child." Stephan Nachmanovitch

4. Don't seek permission from others and don't limit your self.
"Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they're yours." Richard Bach
"Take life into your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing. No one to blame." Erica Jong

5. Don't seek approval
"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." Joseph Chilton Pearce

6. We must have wings and feet. Imagination and knowledge are both essential.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein
"He who has imagination without learning has wings and no feet." Joseph Joubert

7. Determine what is traditional, accepted and expected … and don't do it."
"The voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust

8. Be true to yourself.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured, or far away." Henry David Thoreau

9. If we're not having fun, we're not doing it right.
"I used to wait for a sign … before I did anything. Then one night I had a dream and an angel in black tights came to me and said, 'You can start any time now.' And then I asked, is this a sign? And the angel started laughing and I woke up. Now I think the whole world is filled with signs, but if there's no laughter, I know they're not for me." Brian Andreas

10. We have to kiss a lot of frogs. We learn from our mistakes.
"A man who does not make mistakes does not usually make anything." Edward John Phelps

11. We must share our gifts to experience their ultimate blessings.
"For me, the art process is not complete without the viewer." James Christiansen

12."Solitude" and "Now": the gifts we give ourselves. Live in the moment.
"Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed." Corita Kent
 
Monday, September 18, 2006
 
The Church and Two Towers is an image that I photographed in San Gimiganano, Italy, May 2006. This was a part of photography trip with Daniel Anderson of Door County Wisconsin. Dan is planning a May 2007 photo trip to Ireland. For information on his trip, e-mail - anderson@dcwis.com
 
 
 
Thursday, September 14, 2006
 
This is the first entry into the world of Blogs. It is my intention to share photography, education and many of the creative possibilities of the art.
 
Purpose of this BLOG is the "Sharing - Ideas, Techniques, and happenings in the world of Photography".

My Photo
Name:
Location: Des Plaines, Illinois, United States

A retired music educator now enjoying exhibiting fine art photography.

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